California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is one of eleven species in the Eschscholzia or Poppy genus. Depending on how it is grown, it is either an herbaceous, hardy annual or a perennial with very deep roots. This poppy is also known as California Sunlight, Golden Poppy, and Cup of Gold. It is also the Californian state flower. Although there is some disagreement among botanists, the general feeling seems to be that there are two subspecies – one with four varieties – and, as this poppy has become so popular with gardeners, there are also many variants and a multitude of cultivars.Where This Plant Is FoundThis specific poppy is native to the US and Mexico. As the name implies, its origins lie in California. Outside of the US, Eschscholzia californica has been introduced and naturalized in India, Chile, Europe, Argentina, South Africa, and Australia. Unfortunately, this plant has been classed as a weed and as undesirable as it is toxic to animals and invades grazing lands. ⇒The Complete Map of Edible Plants: Find Out What You Have in Your Area!How To Identify California PoppyLeaf: The leaves are blue-green, smooth, alternate branching, lacy, and pinnate (multiple leaflets that frow from a single stem). The hairless stems have a thin layer of wax covering them.  Fruit: When the flower goes to seed, it forms a thin, cylindrical, ridged capsule that sits above a flat, circular platform. When they are ready, the capsule bursts in two, and the tiny, round seeds are ejected as far as up to 6 feet / 1.8 meters from the parent plant.Flower: The blooms are cup-shaped and light yellow to bright orange are the most common colors. However, there may also be red or pink ones. Buds have a ‘cap’ over them which pops off when the bloom is ready to open. Each flower is borne on a separate stalk or stem and has four, silky, long, broad petals. the flowering season runs from late spring through to early fall.Root: The nature of the root varies depending on the altitude and type of location the plant is growing in. generally, California Poppies form orange, fleshy taproots. How To Grow California PoppyEschscholzia californica is easy to cultivate and grow in both flower beds and containers. Once these plants are happily established in full sun and in sandy or loamy soil, they will self-seed… perhaps more than some gardeners would like! The soil they are planted in, in addition to being well-drained, should be pH neutral or alkaline. To plant seeds:- Moisten the soil you will be planting in;– Make shallow furrows about 6 inches / 15 cm apart with a stick or your finger; -Scatter the tiny seeds as thinly as you can into the furrows.  – Cover the seeds with soil to a depth of 0.2 inches (½ cm);– Water extremely gently so the seeds are not washed away or exposed;- Keep seeds moist until they germinate; – Thin seedlings out when they reach 1 ½ inches / 4 cm and again at 3 inches / 8 cm in height; – Keep the seedlings 6 inches / 15 cm apart so they have space to grow.  Thereafter minimal care is necessary. If you are not harvesting to use the flowers and leaves in remedies, you can deadhead and then trim the plants back when the flowering season is over. As added advantages, California Poppies are drought tolerant and, as a rule, pest- and disease-free.It should be noted that cultivars may not be the same color etc. after reseeding.What California Poppy is Good For– Ease insomnia, including in children;- Soothe pain and aches;- Lower anxiety levels;- Promote relaxation;- Ease the symptoms of bladder infections;- Boost energy levels;- Act as a tonic for the nervous system.A DIY California Poppy RecipeThe most popular DIY recipe when it comes to this plant is undoubtedly tea. It is most often used to calm nerves, reduce anxiety, promote sleep, or ease headaches. This tea doesn’t only have multiple uses… it is also easy to make. Ingredients – 1 heaped teaspoon of dried California Poppy – 1 cup of water If you use fresh plant material, you will need to use 1 heaped tablespoon. You can use a mixture of leaves, flowers, and small stems. Method 1. Place the poppy in a cup.2. Pour boiling water over the plant material.  3. Cover the cup to retain heat. Leave the tea to steep or draw for up to 20 minutes (naturally, the longer you leave it the stronger it will be) 4. Strain the liquid into a clean cup or mug. Some people find this tea bitter. If you do, you can use a sweetener of your choices such as honey or stevia. You could also experiment with other flavors such as ginger or something sweeter such as mint. You can enjoy up to three cups of this tea daily.DosageHow much you use is impacted by personal factors such as state of health / current medical conditions and age. Moreover, because of the lack of clinical research with California Poppy, it is not surprising that there is no general data about doses.The general guidelines, though, are straightforward. Firstly, follow the directions of your healthcare practitioner. Secondly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on products that you purchase.Warning and CautionsAs with any plant-based remedy or preparation, one shouldn’t assume it is 100% safe because it is 100% natural. California Poppy is no exception, and there are cautions that come with it. – Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid this plant; – People taking sedative medications should not use this herb; – You should stop using this herb two weeks before a scheduled surgery. Finally, if you have a medical condition, are on medication, or are unsure of the safety and suitability of California Poppy for you, consult your healthcare practitioner before using it. Don’t Throw Away Your Onion Skins, Do This Instead |